Tailgate alignment?

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backyardgarage

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Is there a different size hindge that would help with the tailgate alignment? I've tried to slot the mounting holes for more adjustments, but I can't seem to make up this gap.
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PrairieDrifter

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You can try the upper latches, if there's room on the other side. Bend the open side in father.

If not much gap either side. Your bedsides are squeezed in.
 

backyardgarage

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Bedside are even from side to side, I'd tried the latches, and it raised about an 1/8" but it was harder to close. I'm thinking of adding some material (weld) to either side to raise it up. If I pick it up by hand it's even, I just can't get to stay.
 

PrairieDrifter

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Bedside are even from side to side, I'd tried the latches, and it raised about an 1/8" but it was harder to close. I'm thinking of adding some material (weld) to either side to raise it up. If I pick it up by hand it's even, I just can't get to stay.
Mmm yes I see. I thought you were just talkin side to side. Just notch the holes on the lower mount some more. Check for straightness on the lowers as well.
 

backyardgarage

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Yeah, I'm pretty thin on the holes. I had an extra set, and I hogged them out quite a bit, a little too much, and it wasn't enough. The tailgate side seems to be too big for the bed side, there is a lot of slop. That's why I was thinking of welding some material to tightening it up.
 

PrairieDrifter

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Yeah, I'm pretty thin on the holes. I had an extra set, and I hogged them out quite a bit, a little too much, and it wasn't enough. The tailgate side seems to be too big for the bed side, there is a lot of slop. That's why I was thinking of welding some material to tightening it up.
Welding on the trunnion? Or on the latch? If you weld on it, chances are you'll get it closer, but you'll put it in a bind and it'll be a pain to open and close.

If you can adjust everything up, then tweak the lower trunnion up while it's mounted, then you'll just have to live with what you get. Or try new trunnions.

Got any pics of the latches? And trunnions mounted? The position height wise is all in the lower trunnions. The side to side is in the latches and bedsides.
 

backyardgarage

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I found new hinges in a pile of hardware from a previous build. The hinge and the trunion have very little play compared to the part on the truck now. Going to swap them out after I finish my beer....it's been a long week!!
 

casper_85c10

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I found new hinges in a pile of hardware from a previous build. The hinge and the trunion have very little play compared to the part on the truck now. Going to swap them out after I finish my beer....it's been a long week!!
Did you find a fix? I’m currently dealing with the same.
 

backyardgarage

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Did you find a fix? I’m currently dealing with the same.
I have not as of yet. The new hardware helped, but it wasn't where I wanted it. I currently pulled the bed off, and found a new tailgate. So once I finish with my fuel tanks and rear drop, I'll square the bed and try again.
 

mxer147

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I have same issue, I m going to try plastikote or wrap the box pivots with duct tape until the excess play is gone. Then grease it so it won’t wear out quickly.
 

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